The doctor left. Mom and Venus were crying. Steven was quiet, not knowing what to say or do.
I… I was angry.
Water fountains turned on, lights flickered, the wind blew at high speeds, computers went haywire, and people were panicking.
"Rocky! Your powers are getting out of control! Calm down!"
Everything stopped.
I stood from my seat and ran outside. I ran all the way home. I unlocked and opened the door with my mind. I ran inside, slammed the door, and ran upstairs.
I slammed my door, locked it, went to my bed, moved it back, lifted the loose floorboard, took out a round yellow device, and turned it on.
"Hey. How's it going?" Tears finally fell down my face. "Dude! What's wrong?"
"M-My father had a h-heart attack a-and died."
ONE WEEK LATER…
"You ready?" Venus asked."Yeah."
We left the house and got into the car. We went to the funeral. My friends and our families were there too. The priest said his words. It started to rain.
Courtney stood next to me, Lea on the other side. Sheilee held her white ferret, Chino, in her arms. The others were spread out.
The roses were placed on the casket. It was lowered into the ground and buried.
Silent tears rolled down my cheeks. We returned home. We sat down on the couch and Dakota was whining, sensing our sadness.
My mom was the first to speak.
"Rocky? Will you get the w-?" I stood up and walked to the stairs. "Rocky!"
I reached my door and slammed it. I locked it. I lay on my bed on my side and looked out the window.
Swoosh!
"Hey."
"What?" I asked quietly.
"Just wanted to see if you were doing okay," Courtney said. "I know how hard it is."
"Yeah. I know."
We didn't speak.
"I've gotta go."
Swoosh!
I looked out the window and cried.
RICHARD DEAN WOLF
August 2, 1961-July 31, 2006
TWO WEEKS LATER…
"How was your date mom?" Venus asked.
I was sitting lazily in my dad's favorite chair. I had a spaced-out look on my face.
"Not so good," Mom said, pouring herself a glass of wine.
"Who cares?" I asked in monotone and not looking up. "I'll be fine if you want to date other guys, but I don't want you to be remarried." I looked up at her. "Does dad mean anything to you?"
"Of course he does," mom said. "I still care dearly for your father. I miss him just as much as you do."
I stood from dad's chair and headed for the stairs.
"Yeah right."
"Rocky-"
I returned to my room and slammed the door.
ONE WEEK LATER…
"Oh stop it!" I heard mom giggle. "Kids!"
I opened the door. Dakota ran out and started barking. I headed downstairs. I only had on my black shorts, my chest bare. Venus was right behind me.
When we reached the bottom, mom was standing next to a man with white hair, a white goatee, and a black eye patch over a wounded right eye. Dakota growled at him.
"Stop it Deizy ((sounds like daisy))," I said.
Her growling deceased. She came to my side and sat down.
"This is Mr. Wilson," mom said. "This is my daughter Venus and my son Rocky."
We said hi.
"Please, call me Slade," Mr. Wilson said. "You have a very lovely daughter. And not to mention your strong looking young man."
"Thank you," Venus said.
"What happened to your eye?"
"Rocky!"
"No, its quite alright," Mr. Wilson said. "It was an army accident. Was shot in the eye and lived. But now… well you get the picture."
Mom looked at the clock.
"Oh Slade. It's late. The kids should be in bed."
"Good night," Venus said.
"Yeah, what she said. Come on Dakota."
We headed for the stairs.
"I hope to see you two again very soon."
I looked at Mr. Wilson and gave him a slight glare. I climbed the stairs. I stayed at the landing to listen to mom and her new boyfriend.
"I'm very sorry," mom said. "He's just upset about his father's death."
"It's quite alright, Elizabeth," Mr. Wilson said. "He just needs some time."
"Well… I guess we'll go on another date soon then?" mom asked.
"I think that would be a great idea," Mr. Wilson said. "Good night."
The door opened and closed. I returned to my room and went to bed.
ONE WEEK LATER…
"Elizabeth…?"
"Oh my God," mom stuttered. "Slade, I-"
"…Will you marry me?"
Don't… say yes.
"Yes, I w-"
Clatter!
I threw my napkin on the table, pushed my chair back with a lot of force, and headed to the stairs.
"Rocky! Sweetheart-!"
Slam!
Knock, knock!
"Go the fuck away," I said angrily, sitting on my bed, slumped over and facing the window. "I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to replace my father. It ain't gonna happen."
Creak!
"I'm not trying to replace him son. I'm just trying to make your mom happy."
I wiped the tears from my eyes with my fingers as the bed shifted.
"She doesn't need anyone else," I said sternly, wishing Slade would leave. "She'll be just fine with Venus, Dakota, and me. We don't need you."
"That may be, but I want to be a part of this family," Slade said. "If you'll let me."
My door slammed shut. I saw Slade look at it from the corner of my eye.
Damn powers.
I stood up, walked around Slade, and jumped off my bed. I opened the door and walked out, slamming it behind me. I walked past the kitchen, heading for the front door.
"Rocky-!"
"I'm going to Courtney's."
Slam!
TEN MINUTES LATER…
Knock, knock.
I heard footsteps coming to the door from inside. It opened.
"Hey… Rocky," Courtney said, faltering as she saw my tear stained face.
"Can I stay here overnight?" I asked.
"Um… yeah. Sure. Come on in."
I walked inside. She closed the door.
"Courtney?"
"Yeah?"
I faced her.
"Why is this happening to me?"
"I don't kn-"
I hugged her tightly and cried.
ONE MONTH LATER…
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the preacher said. "You may now kiss the bride."
Slade and my mom kissed.
My arms were crossed over my chest. I was looking away, sitting slumped in my chair. Courtney was sitting right behind me. She placed her hand on my shoulder.
"It'll be okay."
I shrugged.
"I'll believe it when I see it."
The service ended and the party started. I went off on my own for a little stay-away-from-me-or-I'll-kick-your-ass time.
I went to the other side of the building and scaled the wall with my chakra in my hands and feet. I sat on the edge of the roof and stared off into the distance.
"May I join you?"
"Not unless you want your butt kicked."
"I'll take my chances then."
Slade sat down.
"Don't expect me to call you dad," I said, not looking at him. "You're no father of mine."
"I won't make you. I'm a pretty likeable guy once you get to know me though."
We sat in silence before I stood up and started for the roof access. Slade grabbed my wrist in a vice like grip that reminded me of him.
"Let go of me," I said calmly.
"Will you try to make this work?" Slade asked. "For me, your mother, Venus, and importantly yourself? Let me help you."
His grip loosened. I pulled my wrist free.
"I don't need your help," I said angrily. "I don't need help from anybody." Instead of taking the roof access, I went to the edge of the roof and stopped. I looked back at Slade. "I won't allow anyone to help me, especially not you."
I jumped and landed in a crouch. My mom saw me walking around the corner.
"Rocky. Could you-?"
"I'm going home."
"But Sweetie, I-"
"Just can it Ma," I said angrily.
I walked past Courtney and headed in the direction of my house. She followed.
"What's the matter?"
"Its none of your concern."
"But I want it to be my concern," Courtney protested. "Where were you and what happened?"
"I was on the roof," I replied. "I wanted to be by myself for a while, but my new daddy wanted to talk to me. As I was leaving, he grabbed my wrist to stop me.
"I was even angrier because it felt like his grip. He said he wanted to help me. I told him that I didn't need any help."
"But maybe you do need help. You're so depressed all the time. I know you're upset that your father died and your mother married Slade, but you need to get over it. At least for the people who care about you."
"That's the point. I don't want to forget about it," I said angrily, glancing back at her. "I want to remember my father. I don't want to forget about him like you did with your dad."
She grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.
"I didn't forget about my father," she said angrily in my face. "I still think about him even now. I was really upset about his invention going wrong and killing everyone in the building."
"Well if you hadn't taken the damn thing back to him, he might still fucking be here!" I yelled.
She got really pissed at this.
"Its your fault you stole it and didn't give it back to me when you almost killed us!" she countered.
I growled in her face.
"Its not my fault I stole it! Slade made me remember?!"
"That's bullshit! You stole it and then tried killing us!"
"That's because I was broken!" I shouted. "He made me that way because he told me about the powers I don't even want!"
We were very silent for a while. She gave me a sad look, turned around slowly, and went back towards the wedding party.
"I don't want you or any of us having powers either. But we have them and we can't get rid of them. To me, we're all broken."
I frowned and tears formed in my eyes. I turned back around and headed for home.
THREE WEEKS LATER…
Knock, knock!"Huh?"
Creak!
"What are you doing?"
"Homework."
"Great," Slade said. He started to leave, but came back. "Hey, did you feed Dakota?"
"No."
"I'll do it then."
He left.
I looked at my clock.
7:01
I finished my last math problem. I placed my homework and geometry book aside. I stretched and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. I crackled my knuckles and stood up. I left, going towards the kitchen.
Mom was cooking dinner and Dakota was eating. Meanwhile, Slade was in the living room, helping Venus with her homework.
"Set the table for me, would you Sweetie?"
I didn't say anything as I opened the plate cupboard.
"Answer your mother please," Slade said from the other room.
"Sure mom."
I set the table. Mom finished cooking, placing the food on the table, and we sat down. I ate little food, being lazy and quiet as everyone ate. I moved my peas around in boredom.
"They'd be of use if you actually ate them."
I stopped and slowly looked at Slade.
"I don't eat peas," I said, returning to my plate and previous activity.
I felt my mom's eyes on me for a few seconds.
"Honey? Are you feeling okay? You've hardly touched your food."
I looked at her with tired eyes. I sighed, placed my fork on my plate, and picked it up.
"I'm not hungry."
I stood up, went to the sink, put my plate in, and headed for my room, Dakota right behind me.
"Go get some rest son."
I shook my head in annoyance.
I climbed the steps. I went into my room and lay on my bed. Dakota jumped on my bed and lay beside me, her head on my stomach. I pet her head and pulled on her ears slightly.
She closed her eyes and fell asleep to my touch.
I wont let you down D. I'll protect and love you until you die of old age. I'll never loose you.
Without turning off my light, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
THE NEXT MORNING…
I opened my eyes and sat up. Dakota's head fell limply in my lap. I had a very bad feeling.
"Dakota?" She did nothing. "D?" Still nothing. I touched her head; it was stiff and cold. "Mom!"
She rushed into my room.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
Slade appeared behind her.
"Its Dakota. She's not moving."
Mom called my Aunt Bonnie, who is a vet, and she rushed right over. She checked for a heartbeat. I stood beside in fear, tears already forming in my eyes.
She put her hand down and looked at me sadly.
"Rocky, I'm really sorry, but… she's dead."
It took a while for that to sink in.
"What? No!" I shouted. "She can't be! She just can't!"
"Rocky, there's nothing I can do."
Tears streamed heavily down my face.
"I told her last night that I wouldn't loose her! Why must everything I care about fucking die?"
"Rocky, baby, we're still here," mom said trying to comfort me.
"Yes son," Slade said. "We're here for you."
That angered me further. I whirled around and pointed in his face.
"What makes you think I care about you? You're so full of bullshit!"
"Rocky Vegeta Rex Wilson! You apologize to your father right now!"
"Its Rocky Vegeta Rex Wolf!" I yelled in anger. "Not Wilson! You will never be my Goddamn father! I'm sick of all your fucking bullshit!"
I pushed past him and jumped down the stairs. The front door flew open. I jumped down the step.
Slam!
Crash!
I ran down the street. I passed Courtney as she headed for school. I was running towards the forest.
"Rocky! School's this way!"
"I'm not going to fucking school!"
"What? Why?"
I didn't answer. I ran into the trees. I tripped over a tree root ten minutes in. My knee scraped against a rock, breaking the skin.
I sat up on my knees and slammed my fists into the ground.
"Why is everything happening to me?" I shouted. "This isn't fucking fair!" I fell forward onto my arms, eyes shut tight, tears falling out. "It's not fair!"
I slammed my fists into the ground again in my frustration.
THAT NIGHT…
"Howl!"
A Hummer pulled up behind the rock ledge. Below it lay a river and a deep forest across the way. Footsteps were heard over the semi-rushing waters. The full moon was clearly visible in the night sky.
"Its late. You'll catch a cold if-"
"Shh! Listen."
Crickets chirped and a pack of wolves howled in the distance. Slade sat down, looking at the moon with me.
"The sounds of nature were the one thing I liked listening to while in the army." He glanced at me silently. "Come on. Let's get home and get you to bed."
He stood up and headed for the vehicle.
"Did you ever wonder… what it would be like… to run with the wolves?" Slade stopped. "To run wild and free with not a care in the world?"
Slade turned around.
"No."
I smiled a watery smile.
"I have. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid; to run with the wolves without a care in the world." Tears streamed down my face and my smile turned into a frown. "Now that I think about it… it was the stupidest dream in the world."
I looked down at the ground from where I sat and saw a pebble. I picked it up and chucked it.
Plunk!
"All my dreams were shattered ever since my freshman year in high school," I said, slightly angry. "The day I was taken from my family, used against my friends, trying to kill them, and was broken. All because of him."
I was standing at this point in total anger, tears forming in my eyes at the horrible memories.
"He took everything from me, everything I had, everything I cared about! All because he thought I had something special! Th-That Bastard kidnapped me! Made m-me do things I didn't want to do! Did everything in his power to keep me locked away! H-He-!"
I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face, shoulders shaking with each sob.
"M-My l-life was ruined because of h-him!"
I cried out and shook even more. Slade grabbed me from behind and held me. I was shaking my head.
"Shh kiddo. Shh! It's all right. Shh!"
Tears streamed heavily down my face. I couldn't stop crying. Not even Slade could comfort me. I felt broken all over again. Things were going from bad to worse. And it was getting harder.
ONE MONTH LATER…
"I'm home mom."
"Hi Sweetheart!"
I went upstairs to my room, but something didn't look right.
"Yo Ma! Where's my computer and phone?"
"I took them out."
I turned around and jumped back. When I saw it was Slade, I relaxed.
"What do you mean you took them out?" I asked.
"Your grades need improving. So I'll be taking all of your electronics away until your grades improve. So… hand them over."
"But-"
"No buts."
I sighed in irritation. I grabbed my CD player out of my backpack and handed it to him.
Good thing I left my Teen Titans Communicator at home.
He left.
"Thanks a lot Pops."
I closed my door behind him.
TWO WEEKS LATER…
Slade was going over my grades.
"All A's," he said. "I'm really proud of your progression."
"Really?"
He nodded.
Just ask him you big chicken.
"Does that mean I get my stuff back?"
Slade observed me briefly.
"No."
Now wait a minute.
"Um… why not?" I asked. "I thought you said-"
"You won't be needing them where you're going."
"Going?" I asked confused. "Going where exactly?"
"Since Venus is going to college in California, we'll be able to live with your sister, Abby," he answered.
I shook my head.
"That still doesn't explain why I can't have my computer and stuff back," I said. "I paused. "Wait… We're moving? Away from my friends?"
Slade nodded.
"Exactly."
I stood up and argued back.
"But I was going to be happier with Venus at school, spending my time with my friends without her bugging us! But now I have to move even closer to her?!"
"But there's more."
"More!"
"Yes. You'll be going to Military school for four years."
My brain went numb at that point. My mouth open and closed a few times.
"Military school!" I yelled finally. "There is no way in Hell I'm going to Military school!"
TWO WEEKS LATER…
"I can't believe I'm going to spend four years in Military school."
"At least you'll be able to write," Sheilee said.
"Yeah. And we'll keep in touch," Steven added.
"You write to us, we'll write to you," Alan put in.
"We'll miss you Rocky," Courtney said.
"I second that," Lea added.
"I agree with Lea on this one," Meghan said cheerfully.
"And with Courtney's telepathic powers, we can talk to you any time," Ariel said in a whisper.
I nodded.
"Rocky! Come on! It's time to go!" Slade yelled from the front seat of the moving van.
I hugged all my friends and said good-bye.
I got into the passenger back seat, closing the door behind me. We went down the drive, heading towards the city limits.
Once we got there, Venus started poking me.
"Poke."
"Venus, please stop," I said kindly.
"Poke."
"Venus. Please." She did it again. "Venus, that's not funny." And again. "Venus!" Then she did it again. That was the last straw for me. My anger got the best of me. "Goddammit Venus! Knock the fuck off!"
Screech!
I jerked forward as Slade slammed on the brakes. He turned around and backhanded me.
"Why the Hell are you backhanding me for? She's the one poking me!"
He did it again.
"Don't make petty excuses! Now knock it off! The both of you!"
I gave him a death glare, but said sorry anyways, looking out the window afterwards.
"Slade, the lights green," mom said as if nothing happened.
He drove on again. We finally got onto the highway five minutes later.
Venus had her eyes on me and I held in the urge to ask her, what?
I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.
SIX HOURS LATER…
"Daddy," Venus said, "I really need to go to the bathroom."
"All right," he said. "Hold on."
He went onto the exit and headed for the nearest gas station. He stopped. Venus and mom got out quickly, heading for the bathroom. Slade was filling the gas tank.
I slowly opened my door, got out, closed the door, and headed around the back. Three guys were smoking and they were my age. I walked up to them.
"You got an extra?" I asked.
"A little young don't you think."
"I turned 16 last summer," I said. "I'm in a real pissed off mood anyways."
The dude took one out and handed it to me. He gave me a lighter. I lit it and took a puff. I exhaled.
"First time and you're a natural."
I finished my cigarette, threw it to the ground, and smashed it with my foot. I pulled out 20 dollars of my birthday money and handed it to the dude who gave me the lighter and cigarette.
"Here. I don't need it where I'm going," I said.
"Sure dude?" the guy asked.
"Yeah. I don't need it anymore."
"Thanks dude."
The guy took the money. I thanked him for the cigarette and left, going into the store. I bought a Dr. Pepper with the rest of my money.
I went to the bathroom and headed back to the vehicle. I turned the wind up to get rid of the lingering smoke smell. I opened my door and got in.
Venus and mom were still in the bathroom. Slade and I remained. I opened my soda and took a gulp, getting rid of the extra smoke smell on my breath. I closed it and put it in my cup holder.
I returned to my window gazing, taking a glance now and then at Slade's fingers tapping on the steering wheel. It was getting really annoying.
"Do they always take this long?" he asked looking at me. I shrugged and looked back out the window. We were silent for a little while. "You haven't said anything this whole trip so far. Are you really that angry?"
I huffed and glanced at him.
"What gave you that idea?"
Slade blinked. He looked back at the steering wheel.
"I see."
I folded my arms across my chest when Venus and mom came back. I continued staring out the window for the remaining 6 hours.
We got into Huntington Beach and headed for Abby's apartment. We arrived 20 minutes later. Abby greeted mom, then Venus, Slade, and last me.
"Hey bro," she said. "I've missed you a lot. How's everything?"
"Okay I guess," I replied.
"Awesome." She spoke to Venus next. "So, going to college in L.A. huh? That's pretty cool."
"Thanks," she said. "Its better than having to go to Military School."
"Yeah. Like I want to be remodeling houses for girls the rest of my life," I said. "Sounds oh so fun."
"Okay you two," Slade said. "Break it up."
Abby gave me a slightly worried look, but it quickly vanished.
"So, I was thinking we could go to the beach tomorrow during the day and end it with a dinner and perhaps a movie. What do you guys think?"
"Sounds fun," Venus said.
"I don't see why not," Slade added.
He sat down at the bar counter connected to Abby's kitchen. Mom placed a cup of coffee in front of him.
"Slade? Can I go on the internet please?" I asked.
He looked at me briefly.
"If your sister doesn't mind."
I looked at her with a pleading look. She smiled.
"Of course I don't mind," she said. "You can have an hour."
"Okay. Cool." While I checked my mail, Abs showed Slade the apartment. I E-mailed Lucy and told her that I wouldn't be near a computer for a long time. I checked my other sites with just enough time to check out the Military School that I would be going to. My hour was up. "Thanks a ton Abby."
"No worries bro."
I flopped down onto the couch, placed my hands behind my head, and closed my eyes.
"Don't be a couch hog! Move your damn feet!"
I opened one eye and looked at Venus standing over me.
"Say please."
She pouted.
"Daddy! Make Rocky move his feet!"
Slade was drinking his coffee again.
"Venus; say please."
Venus gave me an angry look.
"Move your feet please."
I moved them. She sat down.
"We're going to the Military School tomorrow morning to get you enrolled, son," Slade said. "You can have the remainder of the day after."
I looked over at the backing of the couch.
"Yeah whatever."
"The one here close to Huntington Beach?" Abby asked.
"Yes," Slade answered.
"Man, that place isn't far from here," she said. "And it's a really good school. You'll like it there. They're not even that strict. The worst they'll do is give you a detention. You'll like it, I promise."
I shrugged and turned so my back was facing the others. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
NEXT MORNING…
"Name?"
"Rocky Vegeta Rex Wolf," I said.
"Its Wilson actually," Slade said. "Rocky Vegeta Rex Wilson."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Age?"
"Sixteen."
"Years enrolled?"
"Four," Slade replied. "Two to finish off high school and two more for the Military."
"Birth date?"
"July 31, 1990."
"Just sign here Mr. Wilson and he'll start on January 20th."
Slade signed and saluted. We went back to the hummer and got in. We started back to the apartment.
"Why couldn't I use my father's last name?" I asked, leaning heavily against the door and looking out the window.
"Because you're legally a Wilson now," Slade replied. "We can't change it now anyways."
We returned home and went to the beach the rest of the afternoon. We then went to dinner at Applebee's and returned home for the night.
I checked stuff online and went into Abby's room after I turned off the computer. She was on her bed.
"Hey."
I gave her a small smile.
"Can I talk to you?"
She scooted over. I sat next to her in a sitting position against the wall. She put her arm around me.
"You miss him a lot, don't you?"
I didn't answer for quite some time.
"Yeah," I finally said. "I really do. A lot of bad shit happened ever since he died. First mom starts dating and gets remarried, then Dakota dies, I get my CD player, phone, computer, and other electronics taken away, I move away from my friends, closer to Venus, and now I have to go to Military School for four years.
"I wanted to be a professional skateboarder, not become soldier boy."
Abby pulled me to her side.
"You can write to me and your friends any time," she said. "You'll be okay." She looked at her clock. "Time for bed kiddo."
She released me.
I got off her bed and went towards the living room.
"Night Abby."
"Night Rocky."
I walked into the living room, lay down on the couch, closed my eyes, and fell asleep instantly.
Me: Wow! This was 12 flippin pages on MS Word. That's the longest chapter out of any of my fics yet. Please review by pushing the purple button. Thank you.
Disclaimer: (See Chapter 1)
Rocky-White wolf of Curses
